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By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack HARTFORD, CT – New York Rangers Assistant General Manager and Hartford Wolf Pack General Manager Ryan Martin announced today that the club had signed forward Maxim Barbashev to an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) for the remainder of the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs. In addition, the Rangers have reassigned forward Ryder Korczak to the Wolf Pack from the Moose Jaw Warriors of the WHL. Barbashev, 19, appeared in 67 regular season games with the QMJHL's Moncton Wildcats this season. He set new career highs in goals (32), assists (33), and points (65). He finished second on the club in goal-scoring and fourth in points. In 12 playoff games, Barbashev tacked on eight points (4 g, 4 a). The 6'1", 176-pound forward was named to the QMJHL's 'All-Rookie Team' following the 2021-22 season. He scored 42 points (15 g, 27 a) in his first full season in North America. The native of Moscow, Russia, was selected by the Rangers in the fifth round, 161st overall, of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Korczak, 20, scored 69 points (28 g, 41 a) in 48 games with the WHL's Moose Jaw Warriors this season. He tacked eleven points (3 g, 8 a) in ten playoff games with the club. The 5'11", 171-pound forward also appeared in five games with the Wolf Pack earlier this season, making his AHL debut on October 23rd against the Bridgeport Islanders. The native of Yorkton, Saskatchewan, has scored 246 career points (82 g, 164 a) in 248 WHL games with the Warriors and Calgary Hitmen. Despite playing only 48 games, he finished fourth on the club in goals, assists, and points during the 2022-23 season. Korczak was selected in the third round, 75th overall, by the Rangers in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The Wolf Pack continue the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs this Friday, April 28th, when they visit the Providence Bruins for Game One of their Atlantic Division Semifinals best-of-five series. Then, the series shifts back to Hartford for Game Three on Wednesday, May 3rd, with puck drop set for 7:00 p.m. To purchase tickets and for the full series schedule, visit www.hartfordwolfpack.com/tickets/playoff-information. ABOUT THE HARTFORD WOLF PACK: The Hartford Wolf Pack has been a premier franchise in the American Hockey League since the team's inception in 1997. The Wolf Pack is the top player-development affiliate of the NHL's New York Rangers and plays at the XL Center. The Wolf Pack has been home to some of the Rangers' newest faces, including Igor Shesterkin, Filip Chytil, and Ryan Lindgren. Follow the Wolf Pack on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. HARTFORD WOLF PACK NEW YORK RANGERS HOME Read the full article

Stuffed animal donations will benefit local fire departments BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners  PORTLAND, ME – November 27, 2019 – The fur will fly at the Cross Insurance Arena on Saturday, December 7th in the second annual “Teddy Bear Toss,” presented by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. Fans are invited to bring stuffed animal donations to toss onto the ice following the first Mariners goal. All collected stuffed animals will be donated to local fire departments. The Teddy Bear Toss is a famous holiday tradition that is held throughout all levels of hockey, collecting teddy bears and other stuffed animals for people in need. The spectacle of stuffed toys flying onto the ice after the home team’s first goal has been well documented in places like Calgary, Alberta (WHL’s Calgary Hitmen), and Hersey, Pennsylvania (AHL’s Hershey Bears). Mariners forward Greg Chase played in Calgary from 2011-15, where the Hitmen averaged over 20,000 stuffed animals in each year’s toss, and previously held the world record of 28,815 before being bested by the Hershey Bears in 2018. “It was a crazy sight to be a part of,” said Chase. “Bears literally raining from the sky. The anticipation is different than any other game, you know it’s the first goal that sets off the chaos. The energy is different. I think it’s almost an advantage for the home team. You come out with that extra jump.” Chase also gave his thoughts on the charitable component of the toss – which is at the core of the event. “There’s no better feeling than seeing those kids' faces when you hand them a bear,” he said. “This is a really special event for a lot of people. To be able to give back especially around the holidays is awesome. We get to do it in such a fun and cool way for the fans, that’s what makes our game unique.” The Mariners held their first Teddy Bear Toss last November, with Riley Bourbonnais scoring the sacred goal midway through the second period. He was later overshadowed by Ty Ronning’s third-period hat trick, leading the Mariners to a 6-4 comeback win over the Manchester Monarchs. The Mariners collected 1,153 stuffed animals last season, and are hoping to top that mark this year. “Donated teddy bears are used by local fire and rescue services to comfort children during difficult times and stressful situations,” said Captain Robb Couture of the South Portland Fire Department. “Many of these bears will find their way onto our fire trucks and ambulances for just that reason.  We will also be using the bears to supplement the South Portland Christmas Toy Drive for local children in need of a special gift this holiday season.  Special thanks to the Mariners organization for supporting us and our local communities!” The South Portland fire department will also have staff and a vehicle on hand at the game to help clean up the toss. The Mariners will take on the Adirondack Thunder at 6:00 PM. The game also features a mini-stick giveaway for the first 2,000 fans through the door, courtesy of Jobs In ME. Families of four can take advantage of the “Family Four Pack,” which includes four tickets, four food, and drink vouchers, and four Mariners can koozies for as low as $80. Family Four Packs are available for all Saturday and Sunday home games but must be purchased in advance. After Thanksgiving, the Mariners are home on Friday and Saturday, hosting the Indy Fuel and Newfoundland Growlers. Friday features Black Friday discounts at the Mariners merchandise stand: 20% off all Mariners pucks during the first intermission and 15% off all Mariners hats during the second intermission. Both promotions are limited to five items per customer and must be purchased with a credit or debit card. It’s also a 1-2-3 Friday with $1 Aquafina water, $2 Pepsi products, and $3 Bud Light drafts through the start of the second period. The puck drops at 7:15 PM. Saturday night will feature specialty Aquaman jerseys as part of the league’s partnership with DC Comics. Jerseys will be up for auction through the ECHL. A balloon artist will also be on hand on the concourse. Groups of 10 or more can call 833-GO-MAINE to get tickets at a discounted price. Individual game tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com, in person at the Trusted Choice Box Office at the Cross Insurance Arena, or by calling the box office at 207-775-3458. Read the full article

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - Another week closer to the start of the 2019-20 hockey season. While the bulk of the hockey news has already happened with the draft, free-agent signings, and buy-outs, there's still plenty of news to share. The Hartford Wolf Pack are bringing back Greg Chase for the upcoming season after signing him to a one-year AHL deal. Chase enters his fifth professional season, after skating in five games with the Wolf Pack in 2018-19. He went scoreless with four penalty minutes and two shots on goal. The 6-0, 190-pound Edmonton, Alberta native also logged a total of 64 ECHL games with three different teams last season.  In 41 contests with the Wolf Pack’s ECHL affiliate, the Maine Mariners, the 24-year-old Chase notched 21 goals and 21 assists for 42 points, as well as 72 penalty minutes.  He also suited up for ten games with the Wichita Thunder (1-5-6, 12 PIM) and 13 games with the Allen Americans (1-2-3, 19 PIM). Chase was taken in the seventh-round draft pick (188th overall) by the Edmonton Oilers in 2013 and has seen action in 102 AHL games in his career. He's played with the Wolf Pack, the Oklahoma City Barons, Bakersfield Condors and Springfield Thunderbirds and has tallied seven goals and 20 assists (27 points) and amassed 55 penalty minutes. In 124 career ECHL contests with the Mariners, Thunder, Americans and Norfolk Admirals, he has totaled 48 goals and 57 assists for 105 points, as well as 159 PIM. Prior to turning pro, Chase played five seasons junior hockey action in the WHL with the Calgary Hitmen and Victoria Royals.  In 265 career WHL games, he registered 78 goals and 143 assists for 221 points, along with 247 penalty minutes. Chase is the nephew of former Hartford Whalers forward Kelly Chase. Kris Knoblauch and Gord Murphy start their first full week as the Hartford coaching tandem as they prepare for the Traverse City Prospects tournament. Looking at the WJSS in Plymouth, Michigan, two defensemen for the US squad really stood out. They are two Ranger draft picks, K’Andre Miller (University Wisconsin - Big10) and Zac Jones (Tri-City - USHL). Ex-Pack Layne Ulmer is not done yet. He left Cardiff Devils (Wales-EIHL) and signed with Manchester Storm (England-EIHL) for next season. Nice update on ex-Pack/CT Whale goalie Cam Talbot now in Calgary now on the other side of the Battle of Alberta, by Luke Fox of Rogers Sportsnet. Read it HERE Ex-Pack Shane McColgan was named Head coach and GM of the Valencia Flyers (WSHL) an AAU Tier III junior level league. The San Antonio Rampage announced Jim Johnson was let go in Edmonton. Johnson has a long NHL background with Tampa Bay, San Jose, and Washington as a head coach and assistant. He is the Rampage's new assistant coach to replace former Wolf Pack assistant coach JJ Daigneault, Daigneault took a head coaching job with Halifax (QMJHL). The other Rampage assistant is ex-Sound Tiger Daniel Thaczuk and the head coach is ex-Wolf Pack Drew Bannister. Great piece from the Sunday Toronto Sun column from long-time hockey writer columnist Steve Simmons and a great line from Ray Ferraro. A WHALE OF A STAFF The 1984-85 Hartford Whalers were not a very good team, finishing with 69 points, last in what was then the Adams Division, 14th in a 21-team NHL with a load of lousy teams. But here we are, 35 years later and the Whalers leading scorer, Ron Francis, was recently hired as the general manager of the expansion Seattle franchise, a week before, former teammate Paul Fenton was fired surprisingly as GM in Minnesota. From that forgettable Whalers team, there are coaches such as Joel Quenneville (Florida-NHL), Dave Tippett (Edmonton-NHL), Mark Johnson (University Wisconsin Big 10-W) and Kevin Dineen (San Diego-AHL), who have done quite well for themselves. There are broadcasters such as Ray Ferraro (TSN), the best in the game, and the long-serving Hockey Night in Canada color man, Greg Millen. There’s even career assistant coaches or minor league coaches like Ulf Samuelsson (presently not in coaching), Dean Evason (Minnesota-NHL) and Kurt Kleinendorst (Nuremberg Germany-DEL) from that team and a prominent player agent in former goalie, Mike Liut. Pretty amazing that ordinary NHL team could produce so many hockey lifers in prominent positions. “When I look back, we had Joel, Kevin Dineen, Dave Tippett, Doug Jarvis (Vancouver-NHL), John Anderson (Retired), Dean Evason — a lot of guys who became coaches on that team,” Ferraro said. “Maybe that was our problem with the Whalers. We had too many coaches, not enough players !!” Kevin Shattenkirk (Greenwich/Brunswick Prep) after just being bought out of his deal with the New York Rangers last Wednesday, officially signed a one year $1.75 million deal with Tampa Bay Monday. Another AHL'er leaves North America for Europe. Jonathan Dahlen, the son of former Ranger, Ulf Dahlen, gets loaned to Timra IK (Sweden-Allsvenskan) by the San Jose Sharks. Dahlen had been playing for the Sharks affiliate, the Utica Comets That makes 64 AHL’ers have signed in Europe and Asia and now 25 of 31 teams have lost at least one player. Former UConn Husky, Derek Pratt, the son of former New Haven Nighthawk, Tom Pratt, was involved in a two-for-one trade. He and Garrett Cecere were sent by the Maine Mariners to the Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL) for Jordan Klimek. Ex-Sound Tiger, Josh Holmstrom, signs with Norfolk (ECHL). Evan Wiscocky transfers out of UConn (HE) after two years to attend and play at Sacred Heart University (AHA). At age 21, he can play immediately this season and not sit out a full year. Wisocky, will meet his former school on opening night of the college hockey season in Bridgeport at the Webster Bank Arena October 5th. Five more collegians sign professional deals. John Marino leaves Harvard (ECACHL) a year early and signs and an entry-level deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He will likely start the season with the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL). Anthony Crosten, of Arizona State, the NCAA Division I independent, signs with Adirondack (ECHL). Brendan Robbins of the University Maine (HE) signs with Reading (ECHL) and Devin Campbell, of Division III SUNY-Oswego (SUNYAC), signs with Wichita (ECHL). C.J. Stubbs departs Morrisville State College (SUNYAC) and signs a one-year deal with Roanoke (SPHL) and a try-out deal with Utah (ECHL) making 191 Division I players to have signed, and 258 overall college players to sign pro deals. Patrick Mullen, the nephew of ex-Nighthawk, Tom Mullen, and the son of former NHL great, Joey Mullen, moves from Vienna (Austria-EBEL) to Belfast (Northern Ireland-EIHL). Ex-Sound Tiger, Kirill Kabanov, goes from Krefeld (Germany-DEL) and heads back to Aalborg (Denmark-DHL). Brian Flynn (Pomfret Prep) goes from EV Zug (Switzerland-LNA) and goes to HC Ambri-Piotta (Switzerland-LNA). Steven Seeger (Stamford/Brunswick Prep/CT Oilers-EHL) leaves EHC Freiburg (Germany DEL-2) and heads to EC Kassel (Germany DEL-2). Matej Baca, the nephew of former Whaler, Jergus Baca, goes from HC Liptovsky (Slovakia-SLEL) to HC Bratislava (Slovakia Division-2) Former Ranger, Josh Green, goes from Winnipeg Blues (MJHL) in Junior A hockey to the just relocated Winnipeg Ice (WHL) in the same role as an assistant coach under ex-Ranger, James Patrick, the team’s heads coach. Ty Pochipinski, the son of former Nighthawk, Trevor Pochipinski, played four games with Colorado College (NCHC) and then the rest of the year with Penticton (BCHL), commits to Air Force (NCAA Independent) next year. David Bell leaves Ontario to take the same position as an assistant coach with Belleville, leaving only Springfield and Hartford without a second assistant coach. On the heels of seven schools announcing they're leaving the WCHA conference to form their own new hockey conference in two years, the University of Alaska's two programs; the Alaska-Fairbanks Nanooks and the Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves may become a combined program in the very near future because of serious state budget cuts. Read a story from the  Anchorage Daily News HERE. The Nutmeg State has another Division III hockey program as the Post University Eagles (Waterbury) have officially joined the Northeast-10 for hockey. Other schools in the program include St. Anselm (Manchester, NH), Assumption College (Worcester, MA), Southern New Hampshire University (Manchester, NH), Franklin Pierce (Rindge, NH), Saint Michael’s College (Colchester, VT), and Stonehill College (Easton, MA). The seven teams now comprise the only Division II college hockey conference in the nation. Presently five Division III level programs exist in the state. The Eagles head coach in his second season is Pete Whitney, who spent 11 years coaching at Gunnery Prep of Washington, CT. He also spent two years at Central Connecticut State University (ACHA Division-2). One of his three assistant coaches enters his third season, Tim Richter (Naugatuck). Richter played junior hockey with the CT Clippers and the Hartford Jr. Wolf Pack. He then spent two years with the Danbury Whalers (FHL) and played six games with the Danbury Titans. The Eagles’ home arena is The Sports Center of Connecticut, formerly known as the Twin Rinks of Shelton. Read more about it HERE. The Carolina Hurricanes dysfunctionality is an open case study of poor ownership and Tom Dundon seems not to care. Cantlon's Corner has not had one pro source spoken with that has a positive word to say about how he is handling the Hurricanes. Read that HERE The Danbury Colonials (N3HL) the newest junior team in the state has added its first four players to its roster. Goalie Shane O’Brien from the Boston Jr. Bruins (NCDC) and CT Chiefs (Newington) (EHL) last season was their first signee. Nate Mastrony (Trumbull) is the first CT signee played last season with Notre Dame - Fairfield.  He was also coached the past two seasons in Spring HS hockey by Howlings Editor-In-Chief, Mitch Beck. Kolby Donovan was just signed from the Boston Jr. Bruins (USPHL - Premier) and Wesley Westendorf, who comes from a very non-traditional hockey market, Little Rock, Arkansas. Read the full article

BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - The New York Rangers announced the signing of free agent junior forward, Jake Elmer. He will be the first new addition for the 2019-20 edition of the Hartford Wolf Pack. Elmer signed a three-year entry-level contract (ELC) paying $925K at the NHL level and $70K for his play in the AHL. Elmer, a right-wing, is 20-years-old and plays with the Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL). A native of Calgary, Elmer is in his third complete major junior year. He also played two years of Junior A hockey with the Grand Praire Storm (AJHL). The team begins the last weekend of it's 72-game regular season. In the 66 games he has played in, he has 38 goals, 40 assists (78 points) and sports a plus-24. Elmer enters the weekend on a 16-game consecutive point scoring streak. He's tied for the top spot in the WHL in shorthanded goals with six. He sits 15th in the list of the Top 20 in scoring. Elmer has played in just 16 playoff games, all last season with Lethbridge. They expect to open the first round of the Central Division playoffs next weekend. The Hurricanes are trying to catch the Calgary Hitmen with both of their games on the road against Red Deer and Medicine Hat. The team trails the Hitmen by two points with 86. Their record stands at of 38-16-5-5. Elmer also played with two other teams in his WHL career. He skated with the Regina Pats and the Kootenay Ice who will be relocating to Winnipeg after their season ends. The US college signings barrage continues. Two more Hockey East signings as another UCONN senior, Max Kalter signs with Kansas City (ECHL) while Craig Puffer of New Canaan goes from Vermont to Indy (ECHL) on ATO deals. Two more players from Canisius College (AHA), Cameron Heath goes to South Carolina (ECHL) and Alex Jaekle to Norfolk (ECHL). Mercyhurst saw Taylor Best head to Jacksonville (ECHL). The Big 10 saw Seamus Malone go from Wisconsin to Manitoba (AHL) and Brennan Sanford from Michigan St. to Kalamazoo (ECHL). Texas signs goalie Byron Spriggs from the University of Manitoba Bisons (CWUAA). Albertus Magnus College got twins, Mckenzie and Carson Welke from Camrose (AJHL) to commit to the Falcons for their maiden season in the NESCAC conference coming in the fall. Goalie Yehonatan Reisinger returns to Israel from the Hartford Jr. Wolf Pack (USPHL Premier) to play for the Holon Ninjas in the Israeli Hockey League (IHL), Monday, March 25th at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, the first Connecticut Cup will be competed for. The four Connecticut Division 1 schools that are involved are UCONN (HE), Yale (ECACHL), Quinnipiac University (ECACHL) and Sacred Heart University (AHA). The tourney will be an attempt to emulate the great Boston institution known as the Beanpot Championship. That tourney is played between Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern University, and Harvard. Read the full article

Nephew of Kelly Chase joins Mariners BY: Michael Keeley, Maine Mariners PORTLAND, MAINE – December 14, 2018 – The Mariners made a forward swap on Friday, dealing Riley Bourbonnais to the Allen Americans in exchange for Greg Chase. Chase is the nephew of famed NHL enforcer and current broadcaster Kelly Chase and a 2013 draft pick of the Edmonton Oilers. Chase is 23 years old and was born in Sherwood Park, Alberta. He played juniors with the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL, putting up a career-high 85 points in 70 games during the 2013-14 season. He began his pro career later that season, suiting up in five games for the AHL’s Oklahoma City Barons, and scoring one goal. He returned to the Hitmen to start 2014-15 but was traded to the Victoria Royals, where he would finish his junior career, putting up 44 points in 46 games. Since the 2015-16 season, Chase has played in the AHL for Oklahoma City, Bakersfield, and most recently Springfield (the former Portland Pirates). His ECHL journey includes stops in Norfolk and Wichita prior to Allen. Between Wichita and Allen this season, Chase has scored two goals with seven assists in 23 combined games. His best pro season game in 15-16 when he scored 18 goals and added 19 assists for Norfolk in 43 games. He saw AHL time in Bakersfield that season as well. Riley Bourbonnais heads to Allen in the deal. The 25-year-old forward from Rochester, NY signed in Maine over the summer after a big season playing under Riley Armstrong last season in Wheeling. Recently recovered from a lower-body injury, Bourbonnais scored four goals with four assists in fourteen games this season. Allen will be his third ECHL team. The Mariners are home tonight, hosting Adirondack at 7:15 PM. It’s another 1-2-3 Friday: $1 hot dogs, $2 popcorn, and $3 Bud Light Drafts through the start of the second period. It’s also the final day for non-perishable food donations for Preble Street. Tickets can be purchased at MarinersOfMaine.com or by calling 207-775-3458. Read the full article

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